By Gabriel Atumeyi
The first lady of Anambra State and founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, has called on women to tap into opportunities for positive change in every challenge that confronts them in the quest for a better society.
Mrs Obiano made the plea in a special message delivered in Awka on Monday, March 8, in a press release signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Emeka Ozumba.
In the message to commemorate the2021 International Women’s Day (IWD 2021) which comes up March 8th, 2021, Mrs Obiano praised women for their commitment to the wellbeing of the family, despite multifarious challenges.
She observed that reversing the trend of suffocating challenges confronting womenfolk starts with recognising their tremendous effort and the positive value-addition in their communities.
According to her, the International Women’s Day 2021 provided yet another opportunity to project and celebrate women in all diversities in recognition of the roles they play.
This, she noted, tallies with the theme of this year’s celebration: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”- a recognition that women and girls are critical by being upfront with solutions to various challenges, especially in this era of Coronavirus pandemic.
On the other hand, she said that the Campaign theme: #ChooseToChallenge, ”enables us to call out every incidence of gender bias and discrimination, violence or abuses which seeks to deny women inalienable rights to aspire for greater heights and better future. We can no longer afford to put down a woman in any form for another to rise since evidence abounds that women are the bedrock of the family and ultimately, the nation,” she averred.
Mrs Obiano further stated that the thrust of IWD 2021 celebration gives credence to the inclusive approach of governance in Anambra State which ensures that the welfare and safety of women are given priority because their voices and talents are recognised in the scheme of things.
Mrs Obiano also reiterated her commitment to continue to support and promote empowerment of Women and the welfare of families through the programmes of her NGO, CAFE.